DEHRADUN: India’s gross domestic product will rise from the current $4.015 trillion to $38 trillion over the next 20 years, National Security Adviser Ajit Kumar Doval said on Saturday, describing the country as heading towards a “magnificent future”.
Addressing the 2026 convocation of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee as chief guest, Doval said the graduating students were fortunate to be entering professional life during a transformative period offering immense opportunities.
“Massive changes are taking place in India, and the country is moving towards a magnificent future,” Doval said.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s description of the period leading up to 2047 as “Amrit Kaal”, Doval said it was a wonderful era and reiterated that India’s GDP would reach $38 trillion within two decades.
Urging the graduates to face challenges with courage, Doval cited the example of Lord Ram, saying sage Vishwamitra had chosen him to annihilate demons because of his courage.
Doval also recalled an anecdote from his early career while posted in Sikkim, where a Sherpa taught him three mantras for success: knowing one’s position on the map, knowing the destination, and understanding the route to reach it and return safely.
“As the graduating students embark on the next phase of their journey, they carry with them not only the knowledge and skills acquired at the institute but also the responsibility to use them for the larger good of society and the nation,” Doval said.
“The challenges before India require young professionals and researchers who can think innovatively, act with integrity and contribute with a strong sense of purpose,” he added.
The opening day of the two-day convocation was devoted to undergraduate students, with 1,277 graduates receiving degrees in B.Arch, B.Tech, integrated M.Tech, integrated M.Sc, Integrated Dual Degree, BS-MS and BS programmes. The recipients included 1,001 men and 276 women.
Doval received an Honoris Causa degree for his contributions to national service. General N.S. Raja Subramani, Chief of Defence Staff and Secretary of the Department of Military Affairs, attended the ceremony, while former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve, chairman of IIT Roorkee’s Board of Governors, presided over the event.
